Rider Jump! Rider Kick!
Giving birth to one of the most endearing pieces of tokusatsu media on the planet, the influence of the original Kamen Rider is impossible to overstate. Its themes of identity, sacrifice and resistance against oppressive power still resonate even today, giving rise to the idea of the tragic, masked hero in one of its most enduring forms. Despite initially starting as a more mature option for tokusatsu fans, the show truly finds its stride when it stops taking itself too seriously and starts having fun with its pulpy premise, treating it with a surprising earnestness. Granted, some pretty notable factors have unfortunately dated the show in its accessibility, being an excruatingly 98-episodes long, it's very easy to get burnt out with how repetitive it can be, with some episodes showing their age more than others. While the show's adamant refusal to explain itself and sudden shift in tone due to Hiroshi Fujioka's injuries is jarring, the overall look and stylings of the show are so endearingly charming, visually rich and all around exciting. Rarely does it feel like the budgetary limitations get in the way of telling a good story. The fights are dynamic, the motorcycle action is aplenty, and the sound of the opening theme is more than enough to get the blood pumping as the Riders face off against a swarm of Shocker grunts or in a showdown against the monster. While certainly rough around the edges, everything about Kamen Rider is done with such infectious enthusiasm; throughout its ups and downs, its message never falters. Human life is more important than even peace and justice, and your humanity is not defined by your body alone.
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